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Billingham vs Hull - David Munns Style
Mike Brown26 Jan - 08:22
Keep on movin’ – Soul II soul feat Caron Wheeler – March 1989
In a week where we have reached the tipping point for wishing people a happy new year its back to Chez Greenwood for a “value for money” home game experience after the bright lights away last week. January and February can be long tough months for so many reasons with many local sporting clubs falling away round about now so it’s every vital point for the Green and White at present in a very crowded mid table. The top and bottom seem to be slowly sorting itself out but it’s anyone’s game for the mid positions with teams trading points in a very even field.
Thrown into the mix is the RFU promotion/relegation strategy this season that looks to keep more teams with meaningful fixtures right to the end of the season plus a playoff game between 3rd bottom and the best next contender from the league below to contend with. I was given a walkthrough of the structure by Chris Kerr on Thursday which illuminated the Dads army opening credits set up and indicated the advantage for the team from the higher division. I’m assuming that the RFU in their meaningful games decision haven’t taken into account Billingham’s last game heroics from the last two seasons so it’s still too tight to call for a handful of teams.
It’s been mixed bag weather wise this week but Thursday night was bitterly cold as the usual suspects moved and a grooved to the people from the village during the gym session. It was then a lively forum up in the bar area as “the Face of a thousand sports” looked busy and Marty supplied a range of treats. Despite rumours of a possible flurry or two it is a clearish sunny day on Saturday as I wander across the car park at leisure as I am early for the 1st 15 although the Lions are already off and running. It’s a to and fro encounter against Middlesbrough on the side pitch as the perimeter fence around the AGP (Atmosphere generation palace) fills up. Hull jog out, clad in black strips with yellow/orange trim and looking like a set of units supplemented with the odd South Pacific as befits the Yorkshire league heartland. Billingham out next as the officials then follow up in a dark orange flavour, the number on the mount swell and its game on.
Hull kick off towards the club house and the Green and White play towards the mount, at this point I will throw in a quick disclaimer as social media in the form of the club “trylights” has throw doubt on my accurate reporting of events. I can confirm that it has been the case for quite some time, you are very lucky if the try scorers noted are the right people most weeks and following Eldon Myers as he twists and turns is not only a headache for the people marking him, believe me. Kick off collected Billingham look to air the ball along the line early but knock on giving Hull an early scrum feed in a good position. Solid scrum and a couple of phases, Joe Pickering in with a good tackle followed by Adam Brown hands on the ball to gain the penalty and Luke clears. Line out tip to Jaime Lane, quick ball see’s good ground but Billingham pinged as tackle called but try to go again. Hull back on the front foot, off the top at the line out and across to the standside with a long pass as Billingham shepherd the runner into touch with no clear gaps appearing. Conventional line out with Dan Burns clean take then its a couple of quick phases
2 / 4
before a kick pass out wide, bounce collected Eldon Myers commits two players in and Hull cover but are offside. Jamie tap to move quick and its across the pitch forcing Hull to cover opposite side quick, high tackle after a couple of breakdowns as Billingham make good ground. It’s into the corner and a catch to set up a drive but player in front of the ball carrier blocking arm up from the man in the middle plus a clear explanation why, good to see. Hull feed and a good push to set up a break up the middle, into space then a hurried pass intercepted by Jonny Horner compounded by a high tackle allows Billingham back up the pitch. Burns line out ball as Anthony Jackson has a stretch, Billingham pop one over the top which Hull gather under pressure and then return to clear, both teams looking for an opening score. Billingham run the combinations with strong runs and then good clean out work to retain, Tom Campbell then Brownie, out wide for Eldon, George Bolam pops in a strong run as Billingham knock on the door. Ben Hyndman and Kieran Clarke maintain the pressure with Hull equal to the patient set up. It’s all in the trenches stuff until a kick pass to the far stand side, it’s a jump and stretch from Jonny H. Back on terra firma its still three covering to beat but quick feet steps back inside and try. Luke Wilson adds the conversion obviously last week’s borrowed boots are in the bin or hopefully passed on to DMP and his own are back on, 7 – 0 for the home side,
Hull kick off GB collects and puts in yards and Billingham send the runners up the middle, Hull high tackle provides further gain as Luke finds touch. Burns off the top as the forwards look to take it up via successive the round the corner phases, Lachlan Hill on the front foot and switched on to tidy up when the ball goes loose although Billingham knock on soon after. Hull 8 picks from the scrum as Billingham do well to cover, Hull look to set up a box kick but it’s a double dummy and they look to break across to the standside, Joseph Scarborough tackle but Billingham to eager at the breakdown, arm up. It’s a series of kicks to touch for Hull aided by repeated Billingham offside as it’s their turn to slowly make gains as they look to speed up the runners and move the ball about. It’s not all big runners as they look for outside then inside passes to unlock the cover, in the end it’s a line out to the front and a break off the drive to go in wide. Unconverted it gets rid of the doughnut for the visitors 7 – 5.
Luke restarts and Hull take an easy catch then get stopped just outside the 22, box kick to clear off a Billingham hand at the line so line out Hull. Overthrow as Jaime looks to be blocked so Hull retrieve and kick are exchanged. More positive play from Hull as they look to break wide Scabs again defensive duties as Eldon steals as the ball is shifted back across. Its back for an offside as Hull kick for the corner, catch and drive which is countered by Billingham spin and seal to get the nod. As Billingham look to break out a long kick is cleanly collected by Hull who set up from way out, clean hands and exchanges see the space open and they run in for the second try out wide. Conversion goes close but not between the sticks as the visitors get a nose ahead at 7 -10.
Billingham kick off just short of the 22 so Hull set up and launch a high kick, Jonny collects under pressure and Eldon puts in another cracking counter as Hull tackle high again. The man in the middle has seen too many so the yellow is flashed, can Billingham use the advantage this week? From the line out Jacko peels off and into traffic, recycle and off to Ewan Brown for a strong run, Billingham look to switch but a loose ball and its lost, Hull clear via a box kick. Line out ball and Billingham set up the drive but Hull get in to disrupt its all a bit scrappy. Scrum Hull
3 / 4
feed, 8 pick then box kick which gives Billingham a chance Eldon on one wing with a brake from Scabs, forwards in to move it up then overlap out other side as Eldon looks outside and passes inside in the tackle, Joe Pickering support line runs in to ground under the posts. Nice kick for Luke to move it on to 14 -10. Few exchanges but no clear chances to end the half but quick whistle as the players are towards the club house end anyway to the job off is easier. Finely poised at half time with both sides working hard for every point so far and not much in it really, could be those conversions that matter again this week.
As other plot the masterplan. it’s bitterly cold on the mount especially when you don’t have state of the art gloves on like Sherpa Usher or the very handy Billingham windows best, so many gloves, all at home. As usual the wise head down the action end for the second half plus we have a wander by from two hips as I try and recall the players on our school rugby team. It’s all heady stuff as the Lions continue to battle hard to our left, but here we go second half beckons.
It’s Billingham to kick off and towards the club house, Duane and Jen supplying the tunes some real rockers to get the heart pumping. Up goes the kick and GB is under it to set Billingham away, voices raised club house but nothing given as Hull get the arm up allowing clearance. Steady up the pitch from Hull aided by high tackle, lined up outside Hull go one way then switch a quick bullet pass long and in, official signals forward. Billingham hold at the scrum and it’s a ball over the top and chase, Hull counter Joe Pickering again defensive tackle to allow the Billingham turnover. Billingham look to build via Ewan at pace eager with a strong run as Billingham recycle Hull offside. Burns off the top as the drive sets up, Ben H brakes off the side but is stopped short and isolated. Hull look to clear via the penalty but don’t find touch so its Eldon to test the line supported with GB strong carry, Billingham go wide dragged into touch stand side. Hull collect the line out and it’s a high kick up field which gives Billingham another chance, Eldon again asking questions, high tackle so into the corner. Jacko peals from the drive and its mixed passes to unlock a gap, arm up and we are back for the penalty. Tap and go as Eldon goes close, Tom Campbell and Brownie graft with the support making the ball available as its Eldon from the breakdown for the try. Hard work to keep the ball available, Luke adds the extras as the home team strike first in the second 21 -10.
As the sun sets behind the cooling towers the temperature takes another drop, Hull kick off and Peter Evans sends a high one straight down the Hull cover, luckily he had my cold hands and knocks on. Billingham scrum feed and Hull go early free kick, quick tap and Jacko looking for the break as the arm goes up. Into the corner for Billingham and they send the runners in along the line, Hull again hold fast as it’s lost under the posts but pilfered illegally. Yellow for Hull as Billingham set up for the tap, lining up Ewan who goes close when tackled then grounds on the roll, first try for the impact forward well received by the club house. Adding to the 4th try Luke pops it over to stretch the lead to 28 – 10.
Its Billingham on the front foot as Dan Dixon comes off the bench and is straight into the action keen to carry, Tom and Ben on the shoulder then GB inside. Back for a penalty which is popped into touch, Ben H having a range of lineout targets opts for GB this time with a Dixon surge up the middle. It’s a purple period for the Green and White as they make the gain and stay on the front foot, Ben H dart, Dixon consecutive carries then Ewan stressing the defensive line,
4 / 4
penalty. Line out ball is collected; drive set up as Dixon looks for a try on his return, a breakdown forces a recycle Peter E to Tom C try in the corner. Tricky angle wide but Luke makes it a full house 35 – 10.
Looks like the game may be beyond Hull now as time ticks away but its Hull who see the best of the remaining time. They curtail the Billingham breaks and stay inside the Billingham half keeping the pressure on. There’s a half change of an interception, Luke very lucky as I suspect that intentional knock on was considered. Billingham also seal off a catch and drive but they just can’t keep the ball, Hull backs looking lively out wide it’s a clever drop and nudge inside on the wing that allows a Hull runner to apply downward pressure converted 35 -17 which 7 minutes to go.
Billingham kick off, get pinged for offside quick but the kick is not to touch but Billingham clear via Joe Pickering. Hull taking no changes it’s a pass to the front to get it into play at the line out then its across the pitch from Hull. Billingham look to hold, just need to go through the process but it’s a clumsy tackle from Peter E adjudged as a intentional knock on and yellow at the end. So the home team end the game one down as Hull hunt for the BP, it’s over to the corner as the winger tries the drop and nudge again, Eldon picks up. Its Billingham looking to drive out from their try line but Hull keep it tight, the ball is lost so its roles reversed as Hull have several goes but grab the try. Converted to end the game 35 – 22 Hull grab the BP which looked beyond them 10 minutes ago and as we know it may just come down to a point at some stage.
Another cracking match with some really strong performances across the squad, got a very good core of dependable performers and some highlights from the young guns, good result but again like last week feels a bit disappointing at the end because the bar is set high. Before it was could stay in this league, could we compete now it’s not only do we get a full bag but do we deny others valuable points, that’s a long way in a short time. The journey continues and the development continues as individuals, squad and club. Now how did Eldon score his try this week?
No time this week for getting the laps in, playoffs sound so American, we want you, Christmas shower gel, game management, midtable congestion, you eating in?, who available this week Brett?, mini tour, you can’t measure momentium and options for stopping the driving maul.
“One way to keep momentum going is to have constantly greater goals.” – Michael Korda
An innocent bystander
Thrown into the mix is the RFU promotion/relegation strategy this season that looks to keep more teams with meaningful fixtures right to the end of the season plus a playoff game between 3rd bottom and the best next contender from the league below to contend with. I was given a walkthrough of the structure by Chris Kerr on Thursday which illuminated the Dads army opening credits set up and indicated the advantage for the team from the higher division. I’m assuming that the RFU in their meaningful games decision haven’t taken into account Billingham’s last game heroics from the last two seasons so it’s still too tight to call for a handful of teams.
It’s been mixed bag weather wise this week but Thursday night was bitterly cold as the usual suspects moved and a grooved to the people from the village during the gym session. It was then a lively forum up in the bar area as “the Face of a thousand sports” looked busy and Marty supplied a range of treats. Despite rumours of a possible flurry or two it is a clearish sunny day on Saturday as I wander across the car park at leisure as I am early for the 1st 15 although the Lions are already off and running. It’s a to and fro encounter against Middlesbrough on the side pitch as the perimeter fence around the AGP (Atmosphere generation palace) fills up. Hull jog out, clad in black strips with yellow/orange trim and looking like a set of units supplemented with the odd South Pacific as befits the Yorkshire league heartland. Billingham out next as the officials then follow up in a dark orange flavour, the number on the mount swell and its game on.
Hull kick off towards the club house and the Green and White play towards the mount, at this point I will throw in a quick disclaimer as social media in the form of the club “trylights” has throw doubt on my accurate reporting of events. I can confirm that it has been the case for quite some time, you are very lucky if the try scorers noted are the right people most weeks and following Eldon Myers as he twists and turns is not only a headache for the people marking him, believe me. Kick off collected Billingham look to air the ball along the line early but knock on giving Hull an early scrum feed in a good position. Solid scrum and a couple of phases, Joe Pickering in with a good tackle followed by Adam Brown hands on the ball to gain the penalty and Luke clears. Line out tip to Jaime Lane, quick ball see’s good ground but Billingham pinged as tackle called but try to go again. Hull back on the front foot, off the top at the line out and across to the standside with a long pass as Billingham shepherd the runner into touch with no clear gaps appearing. Conventional line out with Dan Burns clean take then its a couple of quick phases
2 / 4
before a kick pass out wide, bounce collected Eldon Myers commits two players in and Hull cover but are offside. Jamie tap to move quick and its across the pitch forcing Hull to cover opposite side quick, high tackle after a couple of breakdowns as Billingham make good ground. It’s into the corner and a catch to set up a drive but player in front of the ball carrier blocking arm up from the man in the middle plus a clear explanation why, good to see. Hull feed and a good push to set up a break up the middle, into space then a hurried pass intercepted by Jonny Horner compounded by a high tackle allows Billingham back up the pitch. Burns line out ball as Anthony Jackson has a stretch, Billingham pop one over the top which Hull gather under pressure and then return to clear, both teams looking for an opening score. Billingham run the combinations with strong runs and then good clean out work to retain, Tom Campbell then Brownie, out wide for Eldon, George Bolam pops in a strong run as Billingham knock on the door. Ben Hyndman and Kieran Clarke maintain the pressure with Hull equal to the patient set up. It’s all in the trenches stuff until a kick pass to the far stand side, it’s a jump and stretch from Jonny H. Back on terra firma its still three covering to beat but quick feet steps back inside and try. Luke Wilson adds the conversion obviously last week’s borrowed boots are in the bin or hopefully passed on to DMP and his own are back on, 7 – 0 for the home side,
Hull kick off GB collects and puts in yards and Billingham send the runners up the middle, Hull high tackle provides further gain as Luke finds touch. Burns off the top as the forwards look to take it up via successive the round the corner phases, Lachlan Hill on the front foot and switched on to tidy up when the ball goes loose although Billingham knock on soon after. Hull 8 picks from the scrum as Billingham do well to cover, Hull look to set up a box kick but it’s a double dummy and they look to break across to the standside, Joseph Scarborough tackle but Billingham to eager at the breakdown, arm up. It’s a series of kicks to touch for Hull aided by repeated Billingham offside as it’s their turn to slowly make gains as they look to speed up the runners and move the ball about. It’s not all big runners as they look for outside then inside passes to unlock the cover, in the end it’s a line out to the front and a break off the drive to go in wide. Unconverted it gets rid of the doughnut for the visitors 7 – 5.
Luke restarts and Hull take an easy catch then get stopped just outside the 22, box kick to clear off a Billingham hand at the line so line out Hull. Overthrow as Jaime looks to be blocked so Hull retrieve and kick are exchanged. More positive play from Hull as they look to break wide Scabs again defensive duties as Eldon steals as the ball is shifted back across. Its back for an offside as Hull kick for the corner, catch and drive which is countered by Billingham spin and seal to get the nod. As Billingham look to break out a long kick is cleanly collected by Hull who set up from way out, clean hands and exchanges see the space open and they run in for the second try out wide. Conversion goes close but not between the sticks as the visitors get a nose ahead at 7 -10.
Billingham kick off just short of the 22 so Hull set up and launch a high kick, Jonny collects under pressure and Eldon puts in another cracking counter as Hull tackle high again. The man in the middle has seen too many so the yellow is flashed, can Billingham use the advantage this week? From the line out Jacko peels off and into traffic, recycle and off to Ewan Brown for a strong run, Billingham look to switch but a loose ball and its lost, Hull clear via a box kick. Line out ball and Billingham set up the drive but Hull get in to disrupt its all a bit scrappy. Scrum Hull
3 / 4
feed, 8 pick then box kick which gives Billingham a chance Eldon on one wing with a brake from Scabs, forwards in to move it up then overlap out other side as Eldon looks outside and passes inside in the tackle, Joe Pickering support line runs in to ground under the posts. Nice kick for Luke to move it on to 14 -10. Few exchanges but no clear chances to end the half but quick whistle as the players are towards the club house end anyway to the job off is easier. Finely poised at half time with both sides working hard for every point so far and not much in it really, could be those conversions that matter again this week.
As other plot the masterplan. it’s bitterly cold on the mount especially when you don’t have state of the art gloves on like Sherpa Usher or the very handy Billingham windows best, so many gloves, all at home. As usual the wise head down the action end for the second half plus we have a wander by from two hips as I try and recall the players on our school rugby team. It’s all heady stuff as the Lions continue to battle hard to our left, but here we go second half beckons.
It’s Billingham to kick off and towards the club house, Duane and Jen supplying the tunes some real rockers to get the heart pumping. Up goes the kick and GB is under it to set Billingham away, voices raised club house but nothing given as Hull get the arm up allowing clearance. Steady up the pitch from Hull aided by high tackle, lined up outside Hull go one way then switch a quick bullet pass long and in, official signals forward. Billingham hold at the scrum and it’s a ball over the top and chase, Hull counter Joe Pickering again defensive tackle to allow the Billingham turnover. Billingham look to build via Ewan at pace eager with a strong run as Billingham recycle Hull offside. Burns off the top as the drive sets up, Ben H brakes off the side but is stopped short and isolated. Hull look to clear via the penalty but don’t find touch so its Eldon to test the line supported with GB strong carry, Billingham go wide dragged into touch stand side. Hull collect the line out and it’s a high kick up field which gives Billingham another chance, Eldon again asking questions, high tackle so into the corner. Jacko peals from the drive and its mixed passes to unlock a gap, arm up and we are back for the penalty. Tap and go as Eldon goes close, Tom Campbell and Brownie graft with the support making the ball available as its Eldon from the breakdown for the try. Hard work to keep the ball available, Luke adds the extras as the home team strike first in the second 21 -10.
As the sun sets behind the cooling towers the temperature takes another drop, Hull kick off and Peter Evans sends a high one straight down the Hull cover, luckily he had my cold hands and knocks on. Billingham scrum feed and Hull go early free kick, quick tap and Jacko looking for the break as the arm goes up. Into the corner for Billingham and they send the runners in along the line, Hull again hold fast as it’s lost under the posts but pilfered illegally. Yellow for Hull as Billingham set up for the tap, lining up Ewan who goes close when tackled then grounds on the roll, first try for the impact forward well received by the club house. Adding to the 4th try Luke pops it over to stretch the lead to 28 – 10.
Its Billingham on the front foot as Dan Dixon comes off the bench and is straight into the action keen to carry, Tom and Ben on the shoulder then GB inside. Back for a penalty which is popped into touch, Ben H having a range of lineout targets opts for GB this time with a Dixon surge up the middle. It’s a purple period for the Green and White as they make the gain and stay on the front foot, Ben H dart, Dixon consecutive carries then Ewan stressing the defensive line,
4 / 4
penalty. Line out ball is collected; drive set up as Dixon looks for a try on his return, a breakdown forces a recycle Peter E to Tom C try in the corner. Tricky angle wide but Luke makes it a full house 35 – 10.
Looks like the game may be beyond Hull now as time ticks away but its Hull who see the best of the remaining time. They curtail the Billingham breaks and stay inside the Billingham half keeping the pressure on. There’s a half change of an interception, Luke very lucky as I suspect that intentional knock on was considered. Billingham also seal off a catch and drive but they just can’t keep the ball, Hull backs looking lively out wide it’s a clever drop and nudge inside on the wing that allows a Hull runner to apply downward pressure converted 35 -17 which 7 minutes to go.
Billingham kick off, get pinged for offside quick but the kick is not to touch but Billingham clear via Joe Pickering. Hull taking no changes it’s a pass to the front to get it into play at the line out then its across the pitch from Hull. Billingham look to hold, just need to go through the process but it’s a clumsy tackle from Peter E adjudged as a intentional knock on and yellow at the end. So the home team end the game one down as Hull hunt for the BP, it’s over to the corner as the winger tries the drop and nudge again, Eldon picks up. Its Billingham looking to drive out from their try line but Hull keep it tight, the ball is lost so its roles reversed as Hull have several goes but grab the try. Converted to end the game 35 – 22 Hull grab the BP which looked beyond them 10 minutes ago and as we know it may just come down to a point at some stage.
Another cracking match with some really strong performances across the squad, got a very good core of dependable performers and some highlights from the young guns, good result but again like last week feels a bit disappointing at the end because the bar is set high. Before it was could stay in this league, could we compete now it’s not only do we get a full bag but do we deny others valuable points, that’s a long way in a short time. The journey continues and the development continues as individuals, squad and club. Now how did Eldon score his try this week?
No time this week for getting the laps in, playoffs sound so American, we want you, Christmas shower gel, game management, midtable congestion, you eating in?, who available this week Brett?, mini tour, you can’t measure momentium and options for stopping the driving maul.
“One way to keep momentum going is to have constantly greater goals.” – Michael Korda
An innocent bystander
Further reading